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RULES AND REGULATIONS 

for the 

Government of the Public Schools 

Montgomery, Alabama 
1914 






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General School Regulations 
1914 



ORGANIZATION. 



1. The public schools of the City of Montgomery shall be known as 
the Montgomery Public Schools and shall consist of elementary schools 
and a high school. 

2. In the Elementary Schools there shall be seven grades or classes, 
and the course of study shall cover a period of seven years. The 
grades shall be mixed as to sex, and shall be designated as First, Sec- 
ond, Third, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh, the First being the low- 
est. The First, Second, Third, and Fourth shall be classed as Primary 
grades; the Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh as Grammar grades. The number 
of pupils in each grade shall be limited to forty-five. 

3. The High School shall comprise a Boys' Department and a Girls' 
Department, and the course of study shall cover a period of five years. 
The grades shall be designated as First Year, Second Year, Third Year, 
Fourth Year, and Fifth Year High School, the First Year being the 
lowest. 

SCHOOL YEAR. 

4. The school year shall comprise nine school months including hol- 
idays, and shall be divided into two terms of four and one-half months 
each. The school year shall begin on the last Monday in September 
and close on the last Thursday in the ninth school month. 

5. The following holidays shall be given: Thanksgiving Day and the 
day after; Christmas holidays, December 24 to January 1, inclusive; 
Washington's Birthday, half-holiday; Memorial Day, half-holiday. 
There shall be no closing of the schools on other days unless directed 
by the Board of Education. 

SCHOOL HOURS. 

6. The hours in the Elementary Schools shall be as fol^ws: For the 
First and Second Grades, from 8:45 A. M. to 1:30 P. M.; for the 
Third and Fourth Grades, from 8:45 A. M. to 2 P. M.; for the Fifth, 
Sixth, and Seventh Grades, 8:45 A. M. to 2:15 P. M. 

Recesses in the Elementary Schools shall be given as follows: A 
thirty-minutes' recess for all grades from 11:15 A. M. to 11:45 A. M. ; 
additional recesses for the First, Second, and Third Grades, ten min- 
utes at 10 A. M. and ten minutes at 12:50 P. M. 

The regular hours for the High School shall be from 9 A. M. to 2:20 
P. M., with a recess of twenty minutes at noon. 

SUPERINTENDENT. 

7. A Superintendent of Public Schools shall be elected by the Board 
of Education every odd year at the first regular meeting in May. His 
term of office shall be two years, and shall begin July 1st following 
his election. 

8. The Superintendent shall be the executive officer of the Board 



(2) 

of Education, and shall have the general management and supervision 
of the Public Schools of the City. He shall devote himself exclusively 
to the duties of his office, and shall, so far as possible, acquaint himself 
with all matters pertaining to school organization, discipline, and in- 
struction. 

9. He shall keep regular office hours, other than school hours, for 
the purpose of issuing permits to pupils applying for admission to the 
schools, or conferring with teachers and patrons, and of attending to 
any other business connected with his office. 

10. He shall prescribe, subject to the approval of the Board of Ed- 
ucation, the course of study and the text-books, which shall be the same 
for corresponding grades in all the schools. 

11. He shall make and enforce such regulations; not in conflict with 
the general rules of the Board, as he may deem conducive to the best 
interests of the school. 

12. He shall determine the forms of registers, reports, blanks, etc., 
and shall have the same prepared. He shall see that all records are 
properly kept, and shall require them to be placed on file in his office 
at the close of the school year. These records must show the 
attendance and punctuality of teachers, the enrollment, attendance, 
punctuality, deportment, and sholarship of pupils, the name, age, sex, 
residence, and date of admission of each pupil, and all cases of with- 
drawal, suspension, or dismission of pupils, with the date and cause 
thereof. 

13. He shall visit the schools, direct teachers as to the best modes 
of instruction and government, and advise and aid them in the per- 
formance of their duties; give his personal attention to the classifica- 
tion of pupils in accordance with the course of study prescribed, and 
see that all the rules and regulations are duly enforced. 

14. He shall appoint such meetings of teachers as he may deem nec- 
essary for giving them instructions and directions in the discharge of 
their duties, for the study of subjects taught in the schools, for the 
discussion of methods of teaching, and for the purpose of securing uni- 
formity in grade work and discipline. 

15. He shall collect all non-resident fees and keep a record of the 
same. In collecting the fees he may require the aid of the Principals 
of the schools. 

16. No child shall be admitted to any school outside of the District 
in which he resides, except in case the grade in his own District for 
which he is prepared is full, and vacant seats exist in the correspond- 
ing grade in another school. In such cases, and whenever, in his judg- 
ment, the welfare of the schools demands it, the Superintendent shall 
have power to grant transfers from one school to another. 

17. The Superintendent shall keep a register of the names and ad- 
dresses of all applicants for employment as teachers. Whenever an ex- 
amination is to be held for the purpose of filling vacancies, as may be 
directed by the Board of Education, he shall notify all applicants of 
the time and place and shall furnish them a list of the subjects in which 
they are to be examined. He shall give the Board of Education such 
assistance as they may require in conducting an examination, and shall 
inform teachers of their election, salary, and term of office. 

18. He shall allow no school building or other school property to be 
used for other than Public School purposes, except by special permis- 
sion of the Board of Education. 

19. He shall prepare and present to the Board such special reports 



(3) 

as the Board may require, and in June of each year, or as soon there- 
after as practicable, he shall make a general report of the schools for 
the year. 

SUPERVISORS. 

20. It shall be the duty of all supervisors of special work to ad- 
vise and instruct teachers in regard to the work of their respective de- 
partments, both in private and in meetings of teachers of the various 
grades. They shall also spend the school hours of each day in giving 
model lessons in the schoolrooms, and in inspecting the instruction 
given by the teachers and the results of such instruction as shown by 
the proficiency of the pupils. 

21. At the end of each school month, or at such times as may be re- 
quired, they shall make to the Superintendent a report in writing of 
their special work and its progress with the teachers. They shall have 
office hours to be fixed by the Superintendent. Teachers shall co- 
operate with the supervisors of special work, aid in preserving order 
while they are conducting exercises, and at other times give instruction 
themselves under the direction of the supervisors. 

22. All supervisors of special work shall within three days after the 
close of school furnish the Superintendent a full report of their work 
for the year. 

PRINCIPALS. 

23. It shall be the duty of Principals, in addition to the instruction 
of their classes, to enroll pupils applying for admission to the Public 
Schools, to enforce the rules and regulations of the Board of Educa- 
tion in their respective buildings, to carry out the directions and sug- 
gestions of the Superintendent, to advise, assist and encourage the 
teachers in their work, and in every way aid in the conduct of the school. 

24. Principals will be held responsible for the general management 
and discipline of their schools, and the assistant teachers shall co-op- 
erate with them and comply with all reasonable demands, not only 
during school hours and recesses, but during the periods in which pupils 
are assembled or being dismissed and are on the school premises or are 
in the immediate vicinity of the school. 

25. They shall keep a record of the absence and tardiness of the 
teachers, and make it a part of their weekly report to the Superinten- 
dent. They shall also report the failure of any teacher under their 
supervision to carry out the rules and regulations established for the 
guidance of teachers. 

26. They shall examine and classify, under the direction of the Su- 
perintendent, all pupils admitted to the schools who do not hold certi- 
ficates of transfer or promotion. They shall in no case admit pupils 
from other School Districts, except on a written permit from the Su- 
perintendent. 

27. They shall keep a record of the names of all pupils suspended, 
dismissed or withdrawn from school, noting in each case the date, the 
offense committed, or the reason, and any particulars which may be 
deemed important, and report the same weekly to the Superintendent. 

28. Principals shall have power to suspend pupils in all cases of will- 
ful and persistent violation of rules, for truancy, or for such other of- 
fenses as in their judgment can best be met and corrected in this way. 



(4) 

Whenever a pupil is suspended, immediate notice, stating the reason 
for such action, must be given in writing to the Superintendent and to 
the parent or guardian. 

29. Principals shall allow no advertisement to be posted upon the 
walls of any school building under their supervision; nor shall they 
allow any advertisement or notice to be read or distributed among the 
pupils of any class upon the school premises; nor permit any agent or 
other person to enter any school or school premises at any time for the 
purpose of exhibiting for sale, either to pupils or teachers, any article 
whatsoever, or to announce any public entertainment; nor shall they per- 
mit any sale of tickets by pupils on the school premises; nor shall they 
allow any collection of money from pupils to be taken without special 
permission from the Board of Education. 

30. They shall examine the teachers' registers once a month, at least, 
and see that all records of the school are neatly, regularly, and accu- 
rately kept, in accordance with the prescribed forms. 

31. They shall see that clocks belonging to their buildings are prop- 
erly regulated by City time, and shall require teachers to conform to 
this standard in making their records of attendance, both for themselves 
and for their pupils. 

32. Principals shall report in writing to the Superintendent all 
needed repairs; shall see that the building, grounds, fences and out- 
houses of the school are kept in good order. They will be held respon- 
sible for want of neatness and cleanliness about their school premises. 

33. They shall superintend the janitors in the discharge of their du- 
ties, require them to do their work promptly and well, and report to 
the Superintendent cases of failure, neglect or incompetency. 

34. It shall be the duty of the Principals to render the Superinten- 
dent two reports each year upon the standing and qualifications of each 
individual teacher, in such manner and upon such blanks as he may 
find suitable for obtaining full information in that regard. These re- 
ports shall be filed on the first day of January and of May. 

35. At the close of the school year they shall file in the office of the 
Superintendent the promotion lists, the keys of their buildings, and an 
inventory of the books, maps, apparatus, and all other property be- 
longing to the school. 

36. Principals shall, on or before the last day of the school year, 
file with the Superintendent a report on the progress and condition of 
the work in their respective schools, embracing statistics of attendance, 
enrollment, etc., together with such recommendations and suggestions 
as they may see fit to make. 

TEACHERS. 

\ 

37. Teachers in the Public Schools shall be elected by the Board of 
Education at the first regular meeting in May, or at a special meeting 
held for this purpose. 

38. No teacher shall resign without giving two weeks' written notice 
to the Board, in default of which all compensation for that length of 
time shall be forfeited, unless otherwise ordered by the Board. Should 
a female teacher marry, her place shall thereupon become vacant or she 
shall be permitted to hold her place only until such date as may be 
fixed by the Board of Education. 

39. It shall be the duty of all teachers to make themselves familiar 



(5) 

with the rules and regulations, and to observe and enforce them in so 
far as they relate to their several departments; under the direction of 
the Superintendent, to instruct the pupils assigned to them; to protect 
the school property from injury as far as possible, and to report to 
the Principal any damage; to keep such records and make such reports 
as may be required, and to render such assistance to the Principal, in 
the halls and on the school premises, as he may think necessary to the 
proper management of the schools. 

40. Teachers are required to be at their respective schoolrooms and 
open them for the admission of pupils fifteen minutes before the time 
appointed for beginning work. Teachers failing to comply with this 
provision shall report themselves tardy to the Principal, who shall keep 
a record of such tardiness, as well as of his own, and report the same 
to the Superintendent. When a teacher finds she will be absent from 
school on account of sickness or other cause, she should give the Prin- 
cipal or the Superintendent prompt notice of the fact. 

41. Teachers shall open and close the exercises of their rooms punc- 
tually, and shall not dismiss any pupil before the regular time, except 
on a written request from the parent or by permission of the Princi- 
pal. 

42. It shall be the duty of teachers to notify parents or guardians 
of the absence or tardiness of pupils, and to give a special notice, ei- 
ther in person or by note, of such as are habitually troublesome or are 
very negligent. Teachers are expected to exercise due patience, and to 
make every reasonable effort to bring about improvement before re- 
commending the suspension of a pupil for misconduct, or requesting 
that he be placed in a lower grade on account of failure in lessons. 

43. Teachers are hereby authorized to require excuses from parents, 
or guardians of pupils, either in person or in writing, in all cases of 
absence, or tardiness, or of dismissal before the regular hour for clos- 
ing school. 

44. The text-books used and the studies pursued shall be such, and 
such only, as may be authorized by the Board of Education, and no 
teacher shall require any pupil to purchase any book not contained 
in the list of books directed and authorized to be used in the schools. 

45. Each teacher shall keep posted in his room a program of the 
daily exercises which has been arranged or approved by the Superin- 
tendent. The order of exercises as set forth in the program must be 
strictly adhered to. 

46. Teachers should aim at such discipline in their schools as would 
be exercised by a wise and judicious parent in his family, avoiding 
corporal punishment in all cases where good order can be preserved by 
milder measures, and in no case resorting to confinement, or to any 
cruel or unusual punishment. They shall not require pupils to report 
their own or the misdemeanors of other pupils, nor shall they assign les- 
sons to be learned as a punishment for misconduct. 

47. It shan"be the duty of teachers to enforce good discipline and for 
this purpose, they may, when necessary, after fully explaining the na- 
ture of the offense to the pupil, detain him a reasonable time after the 
close of school, not to exceed one-half hour, or resort to corporal pun- 
ishment* Before inflicting corporal punishment, the Principal must be 
consulted and his consent obtained, and the punishment must be in- 
flicted in the presence of a third party, either the Principal of the school 
or another teacher. In administering corporal punishment, teacher* 



(«) 

must avoid striking the head or hands, and must use only such instru- 
ment as shall be prescribed by the Board of Education, and that in 
such manner as not to inflict bruises or lasting marks. Shaking, slap- 
ping, or sending into the closet, cloakroom, or hallway is strictly for- 
bidden. 

48. At the close of the day, teachers shall report in writing to the 
Principal all cases of corporal punishment, stating the name of the pu- 
pil, the amount of punishment, and the reason for its infliction. The 
Principal shall file their statements, and shall mention the number of 
such cases in his weekly report to the Superintendent. , 

4-9. Assistant teachers will be held responsible for the studies, order, 
and discipline of their rooms, under the direction of the Superintend- 
ent and Principal of their building. 

.50. Teachers must report weekly to the Principal the names of all 
pupils withdrawn, with the cause thereof. 

51. Teachers shall not be allowed to send pupils on errands during 
school hours, except on urgent business connected with school affairs, 
and then only by special permission of the Principal. 

52. Teachers shall in turn be present with the pupils during recesses, 
shall forbid any rude and dangerous games, and shall restrain all im- 
proper conduct and speech. When their classes are dismissed they 
shall see that the children leave the building and grounds quietly and 
promptly, and that they do not congregate in the neighborhood of the 
school. 

53. Teachers are required to attend all regular and all special meet- 
ings called by the Superintendent, and no excuse for absence is suffi- 
cient, except such as would justify absence from a regular session of the 
schools. 

54. A teacher absenting herself from her school duties for any other 
cause than sickness of self or death in the family, shall first obtain per- 
mission from the Board of Education or the Superintendent of schools, 
but the Superintendent shall in no instance grant more than ten days' 
leave of absence. Any teacher violating the provisions of this section 
shall be liable to suspension, reprimand, or dismissal. 

55. In case of sickness or physical disability, not exceeding one 
school month a teacher shall be entitled to half pay. No teacher shall 
be entitled to pay for absence without leave, for absence for any cause 
other than sickness of self or death in the family, or for absence be- 
yond one school month for any cause whatever. 

56. Should a teacher's absence, whether continued or interrupted, 
be such as to endanger the correct discipline or good instruction of the 
pupils, the Board may deduct the full pay or dismiss the teacher. 

57. The Board of Education shall take no notice of any charges 
against a teacher unless presented in writing and signed by at least 
one responsible party. 

58. Any teacher who shall feel himself aggrieved by the conduct of 
a parent or guardian, or any parent or guardian who shall feel himself 
aggrieved by the conduct of the teacher, shall make complaint to the 
Principal of the school, and, if satisfactory redress is not obtained, may 
appeal to the Superintendent, and finally to the Board. In no case shall 
a parent or guardian seek redress of the teacher in the schoolroom in 
such a manner as to embarrass him in the discharge of his duties. 



(7) 

PUPILS. 

59. All children from six to twenty-one years of age whose parents 
are bona fide residents of the City of Montgomery, are entitled to ad- 
mission to the Public Schools; Provided, that after the first month of 
the school year no child shall be admitted to the first grade unless pre- 
pared to join the class. 

60. No new pupil shall be received in any school until he has ob- 
tained an admission ticket from the Principal. If on the opening day 
more pupils apply for admission to a class than can be seated, pre- 
ference shall be given, first, to the promoted children; secondly, to the 
new pupils, according to the date of their tickets. After the opening 
day, applicants who have secured admission tickets shall be entitled to 
seats in the order of their application to the Principal of the school in 
the district in which their parents reside. 

61. Pupils shall be required to attend the school in the District in 
which they reside; Provided, that when a pupil removes from one School 
District to another after entering school, he shall be permitted to retain 
his seat in the school which he has been attending, until the close of the 
year. 

62. After the opening day of the session non-resident pupils may be 
admitted to the schools, wherever there is room, on payment, in advance, 
of tuition fees at the rate of $11.25 per term in the elementary schools 
and $20.25 per term in the High School. After being admitted to the 
schools they are subject to the same rules and regulations as residents, 
and are likewise entitled to the same privileges. 

63. The term "non-resident," as used in the regulations for the ad- 
mission of children to the Public Schools, includes all children who do 
not reside in the City, and also all children whose parents or guardians, 
if living, do not reside in the City. 

64. Every pupil, whether resident or non-resident, applying for ad- 
mission to the Public Schools for the first time, must be accompanied 
by his parent or guardian, or by some responsible person authorized 
by the parent or guardian to make application for his admission. 

65. Should any teacher become aware that a non-resident pupil is 
attending school without having paid the required tuition fees, it shall 
be the duty of the teacher to report the fact to the Superintendent. 
Should any teacher fail to do this, he shall be held responsible for the 
payment of the tuition for the time during which he fails to report the 
matter. 

66. Children who are permanent and regular members of the family 
of a resident of the City shall be admitted to the schools on the same 
terms as resident pupils. In making application for the admission of 
such children, the head of the family having them in charge must file 
with the Superintendent an affidavit stating that they come under the 
provisions of this rule, and no admission ticket shall be issued until this 
condition is complied with. 

67. Pupils on entering school must be provided with a list of books 
and other articles required, and the neglect or refusal of parents to 
supply the same, then or at any other time when needed, within one 
week after notification, shall constitute sufficient cause for suspension. 

68. No pupil shall be excused from any branch of study or from 
any of the regular exercises or duties of the school except for reason 
founded upon physical weakness. In such case the Superintendent and 
the Principal of the school the pupil attends shall determine the amount 



(8) 

of work to be required. Should a parent desire to have his child ex- 
cused under this regulation from taking a full course of study, he 
must consult with the Superintendent of Schools and submit his pe- 
tition in writing. It shall then be the duty of the Superintendent to 
refer the case to the Physician School Inspector. If the Physician 
School Inspector considers it advisable, he may request the family 
physician of the petitioner to issue a certificate concerning the pupil's 
health, which certificate shall be held confidential if petitioner wishes. 
After investigation of the merits of the petition the Physician School 
Inspector shall make recommendations in the premises to the Super- 
intendent of Schools. 

69. No pupil shall be allowed to be absent fr-om school during the 
regular sessions for the purpose of taking music, drawing, dancing, or 
other lessons. 

70. Pupils shall be allowed fifteen minutes before the hour of 
opening school, in which to assemble. They shall, on entering the school 
building, go quietly to their seats and observe good order. Pupils shall 
not assemble in the vicinity of the school before the opening hour, nor 
shall they remain after being dismissed. 

71. Any pupil absent or tardy three times within a period of four 
weeks, without a satisfactory excuse given in writing or in person by 
the parent or guardian, shall be suspended by the Principal; Provided, 
that after the second absence or tardiness the parent has been duly 
notified of the provisions of this rule. Such suspension shall continue 
until proper excuse be rendered to the Principal or Superintendent or 
assurance be given of punctuality and regularity of attendance in fu- 
ture. 

- 72. To avoid injury to health, sickness, death in the family, religious 
obligation, or some very urgent cause, shall be regarded as "reasonable 
excuses" for absence or tardiness. Any pupil absent for other causes 
three times in a term may be suspended by the Principal for the rest 
of the term. In case the reasonableness of an excuse is called into 
qnuestion, the Principal of the school shall be the judge. 

73. When a pupil has been absent two consecutive days, the Prin- 
cipal must be notified by the class teacher. It shall then be the duty 
of the Principal to comunicate with the parent, unless he has satisfac- 
tory information that the parent is aware of such absence. 

74. Any pupil who shall leave school without the consent of his 
teacher, before the regular hour for closing, or, in case of detention, 
before being dismissed, may be suspended by the Principal, and in that 
event shall be permitted to return only upon such terms as may be 
prescribed by the Principal or Superintendent. 

* 75. Any pupil who shall absent himself from any regular or special 
examination or public exercises of the class to which he belongs, shall 
not be allowed to return to the school, or to enter any other Public 
School of the City, except by consent of the Board of Education. All 
pupils absenting themselves by concerted action from their regular 
school studies shall be liable to suspension or expulsion. 

76. During the regular exercises of the school, pupils shall abstain 
entirely from all communication with each other on any subject, either 
by speaking, or by writing, or by signs. 

77. Pupils deficient in lessons, disorderly, or tardy without excuse, 
may be detained not longer than one-half hour after school under the 
personal supervision of their respective teachers or the Principal. But 
no pupil in the Elemenatary Schools shall be deprived of recess to make 



(9) 

up missed lessons, or as a punishment for misconduct, except by spec- 
ial permission or direction of the Principal. 

78. Corporal punishment may be inflicted, after consultation with 
the principal and on his approval, for willful disobedience, insurbor- 
dination, cruelty, or persistent disorderly conduct. In no case shall 
corporal punishment be inflicted on girls. 

79. Pupils shall be liable to suspension if their parents create a 
disturbance in the school, or censure, abuse, or insult any teacher be- 
fore his class, or on the school premises in the presence of pupils of 
the school. 

80. Whenever the example of any pupil shall become injurious on 
account of his indolence, neglect of rules, or any other cause, and ref- 
ormation shall appear hopeless, the Principal shall request his with- 
drawal by the parent or guardian. Should the request be disregarded, 
the Principal shall suspend the pupil. 

81. Willful disobedience, habitual truancy, vulgarity, profanity, 
carrying deadly or dangerous weapons, persistent violation of any of the 
rules of the school, or any other gross misconduct, shall constitute good 
cause for suspension or expulsion. When a pupil has been suspended 
for the first time during any school year, the parent or guardian, to 
secure reinstatement of his child in school, shall make application to 
the principal and the principal shall have the power to reinstate the 
pupil. In case of a second suspension, the matter of re-instatement shall 
be referred to the superintendent and the suspension shall continue un- 
til such terms as may be fixed by him or the board of education shall 
have been complied with. 

82. Pupils are forbidden to use tobacco in any manner, shape, or 
form on the school premises or in the immediate vicinity of the school 
grounds. 

83. No pupil affected with any contagious disease, or residing in a 
family where such disease prevails, shall be allowed to continue in 
school; nor shall he be permitted to return to school, after withdrawal 
for such cause, until he presents a certificate from the Physician School 
Inspector, stating that proper precautions have been taken, and that no 
risk will be incurred by other pupils. 

84. Pupils who injure, deface, or destroy any of the property of 
the Public Schools shall be required to pay in full for the damage. 
Should any pupil fail to make payment within one week, he may be 
suspended from school. Damages shall be assessed and collected by the 
Superintendent. 

85. Every pupil of a Public School shall be subject to the control 
of the Principal and all the teachers of that school, and it shall be the 
duty of every teacher to correct any disorder or misconduct of any 
pupil when out of his classroom, or even in his classroom, when the 
teacher of the room is not present and in charge. 

86. No child shall be allowed to enter or continue his connection 
with the Public Schools whose parent or guardian refuses to allow him 
to submit to all the Rules and Regulations prescribed for the govern- 
ment of the schools and to such punishment and penalties as may be 
prescribed for misconduct. 

87. The Principal may, on the approval of the Superintendent, re- 
move to a lower class any pupil who, from irregularity in attendance 
or inability to sustain himself, does unsatisfactory work in the class to 
which he has been assigned or promoted. The parent of such pupil 



(10) 

must be informed of the liability of such removal at least one week be- 
fore it shall take place. 

88. Pupils in the first grade of the elementary schools, who, after 
attending school for three months, are found, on account of immaturity 
or other cause to have made no progress in their studies or so little 
progress as to have fallen hopelessly behind their classes, may, on the 
recommendation of the class teacher, approved by the superintendent 
and the principal, be suspended from school by the principal for the 
rest of the school year. 

89. Pupils who leave school before the close of the year shall, in re- 
entering, be allowed no preference over new pupils, nor shall they be 
promoted until a satisfactory examination has been passed in the re- 
quired studies. 

90. The regular promotion of pupils shall be made by the Prin- 
cipal at the close of the school year, but special promotions may be 
made at any time he may think it advisable. 

PROMOTION IN THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS. 

91. A Monthly record of the pupil's percentage of attainment in each 
study shall be kept. This record shall be an estimate made by die 
teacher, based on daily recitations and such written tests and examin- 
ations as shall be provided for. In making the record of the pupil's 
standing for the year, the average of monthly estimates shall be valued 
at two-thirds and the results of the final examinations at one-third. In 
case any pupil is excused from taking the final examination in any 
subject, the average of the monthly estimates shall constitute the record 
for the year. 

92. For promotion, pupils must attain in every subject an average 
of 70 or above in a scale of 1 to 100. Pupils whose monthly estimates 
in any subject up to the time of the final examination average 85 will 
be excused from the final examination in that subject. Pupils whose 
montlyh estimates in any subject fail to average 85 must stand the 
final examination in that subject. Only one set of final examinations 
shall be given. In case of failure in examination or absence from ex- 
amination, the pupil will be given an opportunity to pass the required 
examination at he opening of the next school year. 

93. Deficient pupils, on the recommendation of the class teacher 
approved by the Principal, may be advanced to the next higher grade 
with conditions. These conditons may be removed at the beginning of 
he next school year by standing examinations. If the result of these 
examinations, in the judgment of the Principal warrants, the conditionss 
shall be removed, or such further conditions imposed as may seem ad- 
visable to him. 

94. Pupils deficient in two or more subjects whose standing does not 
warrant advancement with conditions shall be assigned to the same 
grade. Any such pupil, however, at the beginning of the next school 
year, at such time as may be appointed for the purpose, shall be given 
the opportunity of passing the required examinations, provided that 
the pupil file with the Pricipal a certificate signed by some one accept- 
able to the school authorities to the effect that said pupil has studied 
under the direction of a competent teacher for a period of not less 
than four weeks during the summer vacation. Only one trial shall be 
given. 



(11) 

PROMOTION AND GRADUATION— HIGH SCHOOL. 

95. A monthly record of the pupil's percentage of attainment in each 
study shall be kept. This record shall be an estimate made by the 
teacher, based on daily recitations and such written tests and examina- 
tions as shall be provided for. In making the record of the pupil's 
standing for the year, the average of monthly estimates shall be valued 
at two-thirds and the results of the final examinations at one-third. In 
case any pupil is excused from taking the final examination in any 
subject, the average of the monthly estimates shall constitute the record 
for the year. 

96. For promotion, all pupils below the Senior Class must attain in 
every subject an average of 70 or above in a scale of 1 to 100. Pupils 
whose monthly estimates in any subject up to the time of the final ex- 
amination average 85 will be excused from the final examination in 
that subject. Pupils whose monthly estimates in any subject fail to 
average 85 must stand the final examination in that subject. Only one 
set of final examinations shall be given pupils below the Senior Class. 
In case of failure in examination or absence from examination, the 
pupil will be given an opportunity to pass the required examination 
at the opening of the next school year. 

97. Pupils deficient in one subject out of four or two out of five 
shall be advanced to the next higher grade with conditions. These con- 
ditions may be removed at the opening of the next school year by stand- 
ing examinations. If the result of these examinations, in the judgment 
of the Principal warrants, the conditions shall be removed, or such fur- 
ther conditions be imposed as may seem advisable to him. 

98. Pupils deficient in two out of four subjects or three out of five 
shall be assigned to the same grade. Any such pupil, however, at the 
beginning of the next school year at such times as may be appointed 
for the purpose, shall be given the opportunity of passing the required 
examinations, provided that the pupil file with the Principal a cer- 
tificate signed by some one acceptable to the school authorities to the 
effect that said pupil has studied under the direction of a competent 
teacher for a period of not less than four weeks during the summer 
vacation. Only one trial shall be given. 

99. In the Senior Class pupils must stand a final examination in 
every subject and must attain an average for the year of 70 or above 
in every subject in order to receive a diploma. No pupil shall be ex- 
cused from examination except on account of sickness of self or death in 
the immediate family occurring at the time of the examination and 
then only in case the average of monthly estimates is 75 or above and 
the Principal shall recommend the exemption, and the. Board of Edu- 
cation shall approve the recommendation. In case of absence on ac- 
count of sickness of self, the pupil, in order to avail himself of this 
exemption from examination, must file with the Principal of the school 
a certificate from his family physician to the effect that the sickness 
was such as to make the pupil's absence necessary or advisable. Pupils 
absent on account of sickness or death in family whose average is not 
up to 75 will be given the opportunity to pass the required examina- 
tion at such time before the close of the school year as may be fixed by 
the Principal. 

100. The Senior final examinations shall be given before the last 
month of the school year. Any pupil failing to attain the required 
average for graduation shall be privileged with a second final examin- 
ation on Monday of the third week of the last school month, or on some 



(12) 

other day of the third week as the Principal may appoint. Parents of 
pupils who are to take a second examination must be notified by the 
Principal in writing on or before the first Monday of the last school 
month. Failing in this second examination, the pupil shall not be 
awarded a diploma, but shall receive a certificate specifying the sub- 
jects in which satisfactory work has been accomplished during the High 
School course. Pupils who receive certificates may at any time in fu- 
ture at the sated period for holding final examinations take the exam- 
ination in any subject in which he has failed, and, in case the required 
standing is attained, a diploma shall be issued him. All conditions 
must be removed before graduation. 

SECRET SOCIETIES. 

101. Principals and teachers shall deny any sorority or other secret 
society that may now, or shall hereafter, exist in their schools all pub- 
lic recognition, including the privilege of holding meetings in the 
school buildings. Such organizations are forbidden the use of the 
school name, and no student who is known to be a member of a frater- 
nity or sorority or other secret society shall be permitted to represent 
the school in any literary or athletic contest, on the staff of any class 
or school publication, or in any other public capacity. 



102. Every pupil of a Public School shall be subject to the con- 
trol of the Principal and all the teachers of that school, and it shall be 
the duty of every teacher to correct any disorder or misconduct of any 
pupil when out of his classroom, or even in his classroom, when the 
teacher of the room is not present and in charge. 

103. No child shall be allowed to enter or continue his connection 
with the Public Schools whose parent or guardian refuses to allow 
him to submit to all the Rules prescribed for the government of the 
schools and to such punishment and penalties as may be prescribed for 
misconduct. 

JANITORS'. 

104. Janitors shall be employed by the Superintendent and shall re- 
ceive such wages as may be fixed by the Board of Education. They 
shall perform such duties and observe such rules as shall be prescribed 
by the Superintendent. They shall be subject to his orders at all 
times, but shall be under the immediate supervision of the Principals 
of the school. 

SANITARY REGULATIONS. 

1. Scarlet Fever. — Scarlet fever cases must not be allowed to re- 
turn to school for at least six weeks and not until all desquamation is 
completed and there is an entire absence of discharge from ears, nose, 
throat, and suppurating glands, and the child and premises have been 
disinfected. 

Children who have been exposed to scarlet fever shall be excluded one 
week from date of last exposure. 

2. Diptheria. — Diptheria cases must be excluded until two throat 
cultures made upon two consecutive days show absence of the Klebs- 
I,oeffler bacilli — such cultures to be made by the city bacteriologist, 
but not for at least one week after all signs of membrane have dis- 



(13) 

appeared. The child's premises must be disinfected also after such 
negati .: cultures. 

Those exposed to diptheria shall be excluded seven days from date 
of last exposure. 

3. Measles. — Measles case must be excluded at least three weeks and 
until all bronchitis, inflammation of the throat, nose, or abscess of the 
ear has entirely disappeared. 

Those exposed to measles shall be excluded ten days from date of last 
exposure. 

4. German Measles. — German measles cases must be excluded from 
school two weeks. 

Those exposed to Rotheln must be excluded ten days from date of 
last exposure. 

5. Whooping Cough. — Whooping cough cases must be excluded 
eight weeks and until after the spasmodic stage of cough has passed. 

Those exposed to whooping cough must be excluded three weeks from 
date of last exposure. Exception to this rule will be made in those 
cases furnishing satisfactory evidence of a previous attack of whooping 
cough. 

6. Mumps. — Mump cases must be excluded until seven days after all 
swelling has subsided. 

Those exposed to mumps must be excluded for three weeks from date 
of last exposure. Exception to this rule will be made in those cases 
furnishing satisfactory evidence of a previous attack of mumps. 

7. Smallpox. — Smallpox cases must be excluded four weeks and 
until all scabs are off, desquamation has entirely ceased, and the child 
and its premises have been disinfected. 

Those exposed to smallpox must be excluded for two weeks from time 
of last exposure. 

8. Chickekpox. — Chickenpox cases must be excluded until all scales 
are off and the skin smooth. 

9. Tonsilitis. — Cases of tonsilities must be excluded on clinical evi- 
alone, and throat cultures made for further diagnosis. 

10. Scabies. — Cases of scabies must be excluded until all lesions 
have healed. 

11. Tuberculosis. — All tubercular children must be excluded from 
school. 

12. When a pupil is taken sick with an infectious disease in a school- 
room, the pupils in the room must be dismissed until the room has 
been disinfected. 

13. All children who have been absent from school for four days, 
or more, on account of sickness must present a certificate from the 
School Inspector before re-admission. 

14. No child who has had a contagious disease or who has been ab- 
sent for six consecutive days for any cause, shall be permitted to enter 
school without a permit from the School Inspector, and such permits 
shall only be given by the Inspector after the child has been seen in 
person. 

NOTE. 

Children excluded from school are not to be treated by the Inspector, 
but by their family physician. 



(14) 

CERTIFICATES AND SALARY SCHEDULE. 

Certificates. 

Section 1. Teachers' Certificates issued by the Board of Education 
are classed as follows: 

1. Elementary Certificate. 

2. High School Certificate. 

3. Principal's Certificate, Elementary School. 

4. Principal's Certificate, High School. 

Section 2. On a basis of scholarship indicated by the examination 
papers submitted, certificates are graded as First, Second, and Third. 
Papers considered excellent, averaging 85 on a scale of 1 to 100, entitle 
the applicant to a certificate of the First Grade; papers considered 
good, averaging 75, to a certificate of the Second Grade; papers averag- 
ing 60, to a certificate of the Third Grade. Certain subjects are speci- 
fied in Section 6, 7, 8, 9 as test subjects. To obtain a certificate of any 
grade, no paper in a test subject must fall below the standard for av- 
erage fixed fqr that grade. The Board being aware of the difficulty 
of testing scholarship by a standard of per cents, will not be gov- 
erned absolutely by the limits named above. 

Section 3. Certificates of the Third Grade shall be good for one 
year, and are not renewable. Certificates of the Second Grade shall be 
good for two years, and may in the discretion of the Board be renewed 
without re-examination. Certificates of the First Grade exempt teach- 
ers from re-examination in the subjects named in their certificates, 
but not from examination in other subjects which may hereafter be 
added to the list. 

Section 4. A teacher wishing to raise the grade of her certificate 
may, at any annual examination, be re-examined in any subject in which 
she was deficient. Should the desired standard be attained, a certificate 
of higher grade shall be issued. 

Section 5. The Superintendent of Schools shall keep a record of the 
class, grade, number, and date of all certificates issued and of the per- 
sons to whom issued. All certificates must be signed by the President 
and the Secretary of the Board. 

Section 6. Applicants for Elementary Certificates will be examined 
in the following subjects: 

(1) Arithmetic. 

(2) Drawing. 

(3) English Grammar and Composition. 

(4) Geography. 

(5) History of United States. 

(6) Penmanship. 

(7) Reading. 

(8) Spelling. 

(9) Theory and Practice of Teaching. 

The test subjects are Arithmetic, English, and Spelling. 

Applicants may omit Drawing and Theory and Practice of Teaching; 
however, in case of election to a position in the schools, they must 
within the next two years following their election, pass an examination 
in these subjects. After the school year ending May, 1905, no First 
Grade Elementary Certificate will be issued to any teacher until she has 
passed a satisfactory examination in Drawing and Theory and Practice 
of Teaching. 



(15) 

Section 7. The following are the subjects for High School Certifi- 
cates : 

(1) Algebra. 

(2) Arithmetic. 

(3) Geometry. 

(4) Higher English. 

(5) Latin. 

(6) Theory and Practice of Teaching. 

Special subjects the applicant is to teach may be substituted for 
Algebra, Geometry, or Latin. The test subjects are Algebra, Arith- 
metic, English, and Latin, or Arithmetic, English, and any special 
subjects that may be substituted for the ones given in the above list. 

Section 8. Applicants for a position as Principal of an Elementary 
School shall be examined in the following subjects: 

(1) Algebra. 

(2) Arithmetic. 

(3) Drawing. 

(4) English Grammar and Composition. 

(5) Geometry (Plane.) 

(6) Geography. 

(7) History of United States. 

(8) Penmanship. 

(9) Theory and Practice of Teaching. 

The test subjects are Algebra, Arithmetic, English Grammar, and 
Geometry. 

Section 9. Applicants for a position as Principal of a High School 
shall be examined in the following subjects: 

( 1 ) Algebra. 

(2) Arithmetic. 

(3) Geometry. 

(4) Higher English. 

(5) Latin. 

(6) Theory and Practice of Teaching. 

The test subjects are Algebra, Arithmetic, Geometry, English and 
Latin. 

Section 10. The Board of Education may, without examination, grant 
a First Grade Certificate of any class to an applicant holding a diploma 
from the University of Alabama, the Alabama Polytechnic Institute, or 
other university or college of like grade. 

Section 11. A Life Certificate or a First Grade Certificate issued by 
the State may, in the discretion of the Board, be accepted in lieu of an 
examination for a City Elementary Certificate. Befre such State Cer- 
tificate, however, shall be ranked as of the same value as a First Grade 
City Certificate, the holder thereof must pass a satisfactory examina- 
tion in Drawing. 

Section 12. Teachers' Certificates issued by the Board of Examiners 
in 1892 will be recognized as of the same force as those issued by the 
present Board of Education. 

Section 13. The annual examination of applicants for certificates 
shall be held the first week in May, unless otherwise ordered by the 
Board. 

Section 14. It shall be the duty of the Secretary to give notice in 
one or more newspapers, of the date for holding the annual examina- 
tions, such notice to be published at least once a week for the four 
consecutive weeks preceding the examinations. 



(16) 

ELECTIONS. 

Section 15. To be eligible for election, the applicant must hold a 
certificate; provided first, that teachers now employed, who began teacn- 
ing in the schools previous to 1889, shall be exempt from holding city 
certificates; provided second, that a teacher may be employed subject to 
examination, but shall not be allowed to continue teaching for more 
than one year without a certificate. 

Section 16. Applicants must make written application, stating age, 
where educated, experience in teaching, and in what department of the 
schools they desire to be employed, whether in the Elementary or High 
School Department. This application, together with testimonials, re- 
ferences as to character, etc., should be filed with the Superintendent 
of Schools before the day of examination. 

Section 17. Teachers now employed who began teaching in the schools 
previous to 1889 and teachers holding certificates of the First or the 
Second Grade who have taught three years in the Montgomery Public 
Schools, may, in the discretion of the Board be elected for a term of 
two years. 

NOTE. 

All teachers must hold State Certificates in order to be eligible for 
appointment to a position in the City Public Schools. This is in accord- 
ance with Section 1733, General Public School Laws of Alabama, 
1908. Exception is made of those teachers who devote their entire 
time to the teaching of special subjects, such as foreign languages, 
music, physical training, drawing, etc. 

SALARIES. 

Sliding Scale, Elementary Schools. 

Grade teachers in the Elementary Schools shall be paid at the rate 
of five hundred sixty-two and one-half dollars ($562.50) for the first 
two years of service. Annually thereafter for five years there shall be 
an increase in salary of twenty-two and one-half dollars ($22.50) ; pro- 
vided, that no increase in salary shall be made until a First Grade Cer- 
tificate has been obtained; provided further, that the Board of Edu- 
cation may, at discretion, in employing a teacher of experience fix her 
salary at any point in the sliding scale, but said teacher shall be en- 
titled to no increase in salary until she has obtained a First Grade City 
Certificate or has complied with the provisions of Section 11. 

HIGH SCHOOL. 

Principal ,$1,800 

Associate Principal (woman) 1,080 

Men Teachers $1 200 to $1,500 

Women Teachers 810 to 1,080 

SUPERVISORS. 

Writing $ 900 

Music ( 1,080 



(17) 

NEGRO SCHOOLS. 

Principals $675.00 

Grade Teachers: Minimum, $306.00; annual increase, $13.50; maximum, 

$373.50. 

CRIMINAL PROVISIONS OF PUBLIC SCHOOL LAW. 

6413. Injuring or defacing public or private buildings, or fences 
thereof. — Any person who wilfully injures or defaces any church, or 
schoolhouse, or building belonging to the State, or to any county, city, 
town, or person, or writes or draws figures, letters, or characters on 
the walls thereof, or on the fences or inclosures thereof, must, on con- 
viction, be fined not less than ten nor more than one hundred dollars, 
and may also be imprisoned in the county jail, or sentenced to hard 

labor for the county, for not more than three months; and the fine 
goes to the injured party. It shall not be necessary to aver or prove 
the ownership of any church or schoolhouse in prosecutions under this 
section. 

6769. Disturbing people met for school purposes or holiday. — Any 
person who wilfully disturbs any school, or other assemblage of people, 
met for any lawful purpose, or for amusement or recreation on a holi- 
day for a school, must, on conviction, be fined not less than five nor 
more than fifty dollars. 

6897. Shooting, throwing missels into, etc., dwelling and other houses. 
— Any person who shoots a pistol or other firearm or slingshot, or who 
throws a stone or other missle at, into, in, through, or against a dwel- 
ling house, schoolhouse, church building, factory, storenouse, court- 
house or any house or building used for the assemblage of people for 
business or pleasure, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and, on con- 
viction thereof, shall be fined not more than one thousand dollars, and 
may be sentenced to hard labor for the county for not longer than 
twelve months. 

AN ORDINANCE 

To Protect the Public Schools of the City of Montgomery. 

Section 1. Be it ordained by the City Council of Montgomery, as 
follows: That it shall be unlawful for any person, at or near any Pub- 
lic Schoolhouse in the City of Montgomery, to engage, by conversation, 
signs or otherwise, the attention of any of the pupils at said schoolhouse 
to the disturbance of the school or to the detriment of the discipline 
thereof. 

Sec. 2. Be it further ordained, That it shall be unlawful for any 
person to trespass upon the premises of any Public School of the City, 
or to, in any manner, interfere with the conduct or discipline thereof; 
or to be rude, boisterous or disorderly on the premises, or in the neigh- 
borhood thereof, during school hours, prejudicial to the good order and 
discipline of said school. 

Sec. 3. Be it further ordained, That any person violating any of the 
provisions of Sections 1 and 2 of this Ordinances shall, upon conviction, 
be fined not less than one nor more than one hundred dollars. 

Approved April 10, 1896. E. B. JOSEPH, 

Acting Mayor. 



(18) 

DISTRICTS FOR WHITE ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS. 

WEST END SCHOOL DISTRICT— All that portion of the City of 
Montgomery lying west of a line beginning at the river and running 
south on Dickerson Street to the L. & N. Railroad, southwest along 
the L. & N. Railroad to the city limits shall comprise and constitute 
the West End School District. 

COTTAGE HILL SCHOOL DISTRICT— All that portion of the 
city bounded by a line beginning at the foot of Dickerson Street and 
running east along the river bank to Goldthwaite Street south along 
Goldthwaite to Mobile, Mobile to Grady, Grady to Holt, Holt to Mill, 
Mill to Hill, Hill to Day, Day to L. & N. Railroad, L. & N. Railroad to 
Dickerson Street, Dickerson Street to the river and river to Gold- 
thwaite Street shall comprise and constitute the -Cottage Hill School 
District. 

SAYRE STREET SCHOOL DISTRICT— All that portion of the 
city bounded by a line beginning at the river at the foot of Commerce 
Street, running along Commerce Street to Dexter Avenue, Dexter to 
Perry, South Perry to Winnie, Winnie to Court, and from Court by a 
line extending west to Goode Street so as to include in the Sayre 
Street School District all the residences on Jeff Davis Avenue between 
Court and Goode, and thence south as far as Simpson Street so as to 
include those residences on the east of Goode between Jeff Davis and 
Simpson, and then along Simpson to Columbia, Columbia to Cleveland 
Avenue, Cleveland Avenue to Mill, Mill to Holt, Holt to Grady, Grady 
to Mobile, Mobile to Goldthwaite, Goldthwaite to the river, along the 
bank of the river east to the point of beginning shall comprise and 
constitute the Sayre Street School District. 

BELLINGER HILL SCHOOL DISTRICT— All that portion of the 
city bounded by a line beginning at the intersection of Perry and East 
Jeff Davis Avenue, and running along East Jeff Davis to Norman 
Bridge Road, Norman Bridge Road to Thurman Street, Thurman to 
Hall, Hall south to city limits, city limits south and west to Cleve- 
land Avenue, Cleveland Avenue to Columbia, Columbia to Goode, Goode 
to Simpson, Simpson to Court, Court to Winnie, Winnie to South Perry, 
South Perry to the intersection of East Jeff Davis Avenue shall com- 
prise and constitute the Bellinger Hill School District. 

DECATUR STREET SCHOOL DISTRICT— All that portion of 
the city bounded by a line beginning at the inersection of Perry and 
Dexter Avenue and running east along Dexter to Bainbridge, Bain- 
bridge to Adams, Adams to Houston, Houston to Hall, Hall to Thur- 
man, Thurman to Norman Bridge Road, Norman Bridge Road to East 
Jeff Davis Avenue, East Jeff Davis to South Perry Street, South Perry 
Street to Dexter Avenue shall comprise and constitute the Decatur 
Street School District. 

HIGHLAND PARK SCHOOL DISTRICT— All that portion of the 
city bounded by a line beginning at the intersection of Houston and 
Hall, running South along Hall Street to Carter Hill Road, Carter Hill 
Road to West Street, North along West Street to Spruce Street, East 



(19) 

along Spruce Street to Grace Street, North along Grace Street to You- 
gene Street, Yougene to Hopper, Hopper to Houston, Houston to the 
intersection of Hall Street shall comprise and constitute the Highland 
Park School District. 

LAFAYETTE SCHOOL DISTRICT— All that portion of the city 
bounded by a line beginning at the river at the foot of Commerce 
Street, running along Commerce to Dexter Avenue, Dexter to Bain- 
bridge, Bainbridge to Adams, Adams to Houston, Houston to Hopper, 
Hopper north to the section line forming the boundary between Sec- 
tions 5 and 6, Township 16, Range 18, and west along said section 
line to Sections 6 and 7, and along the boundary line between Sections 
6 and 7 to the river shall comprise and constitute the LaFayette School 
District. 

HUNT STREET SCHOOL DISTRICT— All that portion of the city 
lying north of the LaFayette School District shall comprise and con- 
stitute the Hunt Street School District. 

LAWRENCE STREET GRAMMAR SCHOOL— All fifth and sixth 
grade pupils residing in the Sayre Street School District and all seventh 
grade pupils residing within the corporate limits of the city will 
attend Lawrence Street Grammar School. 



020 320 293 3 # 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS^ 

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